Creative Initiatives & New Audiences Manager

Children•Pittsburgh, PA

3d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Creative Initiatives & New Audiences Manager develops new ways for audiences, particularly adults, to engage with the Children’s Museum of Pittsburgh and MuseumLab. The role curates and produces innovative programs, events, and experiences, with a primary focus on adult audiences and MuseumLab. It develops collaborative, artist-centered experiences and cultivates relationships across Pittsburgh’s creative and cultural communities. The manager builds a network of artists, makers, performers, designers, and other creative professionals, and leads the MuseumLab Creatives membership program to foster connection, collaboration, and creativity. The position works with the Senior Director of Culture, Community & New Audiences and teams across the Museum to develop audience engagement strategies, create programs, build partnerships, and use participant feedback and program data to inform future work. The role manages budgets, timelines, contracts, and logistics for assigned initiatives and coordinates guest artists, creative professionals, vendors, contractors, and other partners as needed. Programs must align with the Museum’s mission, design standards, and commitment to accessibility and inclusion. The position is based in a museum environment with public interaction and exposure to children and families. Work is in office Monday through Friday, with occasional remote flexibility based on operational needs. Weekend and evening hours are required for some programs and events. Required clearances are FBI fingerprints, a Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Certificate (Act 33), and a Pennsylvania State Criminal Record Check (Act 34).

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in arts administration, cultural studies, communications, community engagement, nonprofit management, or a related field; equivalent professional experience will also be considered.
Three to five years of relevant experience in creative programming, event production, audience engagement, arts administration, or a related field.
Demonstrated experience developing and implementing creative programs, events, or community-centered initiatives.
Experience building and maintaining relationships with artists, creative professionals, community organizations, and other external partners.
Experience managing project timelines, budgets, vendors, and event logistics.
Strong understanding of creative programming, cultural engagement, and audience development.
Knowledge of Pittsburgh’s creative and cultural communities, including local artists, makers, performers, and creative organizations.
Ability to develop creative ideas and translate them into well-organized, engaging programs and experiences.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities, schedules, and budgets.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships and work collaboratively with people of diverse backgrounds, identities, ages, and abilities.
Ability to work independently, take initiative, and exercise sound judgment while contributing to a collaborative team environment.
Strong problem-solving skills, adaptability, and willingness to experiment with new approaches.
Ability to gather and interpret participant feedback, attendance information, and other program data to support continuous improvement.
Commitment to accessibility, inclusion, and creating welcoming experiences for diverse audiences.
Proficiency with standard workplace technology and ability to learn relevant program management, membership, and administrative systems.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
FBI fingerprints (Department of Human Services), PA Child Abuse History Certificate (Act 33), and PA State Criminal Record Check (Act 34) are required.
Ability to lift some equipment and supplies, communicate accurately with staff, guests, and partners, operate a computer and other office equipment, and move about the Museum and off-site to attend to programmatic needs.

Nice To Haves

Experience working in museums, cultural institutions, arts organizations, or other creative environments.
Comfort with Canva, Adobe, or a comparable design program.

Responsibilities

Identify opportunities to introduce new audiences, particularly adults, to MuseumLab through creative programming, partnerships, and experiences.
Work with the Senior Director to develop audience engagement strategies that expand participation and strengthen connections with creative communities.
Collaborate with the Learning, Research & Innovation team to understand audience interests, local cultural activity, and emerging practices; test new approaches and gather participant feedback to inform future programming and engagement strategies.
Develop, curate, and produce creative programs, events, and experiences primarily at MuseumLab, with opportunities for collaboration and engagement across the Museum’s campus.
Collaborate with the Communications team to tell the visual story of New Audiences initiatives and identify opportunities to engage digital communities.
Develop and maintain relationships with artists, makers, performers, designers, facilitators, creative professionals, and organizations, connecting the Museum with creative partners and opportunities for collaboration.
Lead the growth and development of the MuseumLab Creatives membership program, including member experiences, engagement, and retention.
Partner with Visitor Services on membership administration, promotion, and tracking; monitor participation and membership trends to inform program strategy.
Develop creative experiences and opportunities that provide value to members and encourage continued participation in MuseumLab.
Manage program budgets, expenses, timelines, contracts, and other administrative needs for assigned initiatives, balancing creative goals with available resources and financial considerations.
Coordinate the work of guest artists, creative professionals, vendors, contractors, and other program partners as needed.
Ensure programs and experiences align with the Museum’s mission, design standards, and commitment to accessibility and inclusion.
Coordinate with internal teams, external partners, artists, vendors, and contractors to support successful program and event implementation.
Support department and Museum-wide initiatives, special projects, and events as appropriate.
Participate in department and Museum-wide planning, meetings, and professional development opportunities.
Perform other duties as assigned in support of the Museum’s mission and organizational goals; adhere to organizational policies and procedures.
Participate in one Museum Committee.